The incident happened in Straight Road, near Boxted, at about 10am today.

Five people suffered mostly minor injuries and they were taken to Colchester General Hospital for further treatment.

Five ambulances, a rapid response vehicle and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene when the incident was reported this morning.

An ambulance service spokesman said: “Two people suffered chest injuries and two had neck and back injuries; they were all adults and their conditions weren’t thought to be serious. A teenager in one of the vehicles suffered a suspected leg fracture as well as some back pain.”